BEIJING—A Chinese narcotics control official played down China’s role in the distribution of synthetic opioid drugs, though U.S. President Donald Trump has vowed to press the issue at a summit in Beijing next week.

Wei Xiaojun, a top officer in the Ministry of Public Security’s Narcotics Control Bureau, told reporters on Friday that Beijing is determined to stem exports of drugs like the opioid fentanyl that are made in China. Mr. Wei accused the U.S. of being too aggressive in pinning blame, and he tried to turn aside U.S....

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